Parent Place services extend support to Ballarat community in innovative trial

Ballarat parents and carers are set to have greater access to vital support as the Victorian City of Ballarat extends its Parent Place services across the community in a project that will trial the extension of many of the services offered on site at 39 Sturt Street, aiming to reach more families in need of assistance. 

Parent Place exists to support families with young children to thrive, providing timely and relevant information and community connection in a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment. 

Those who access Parent Place services are connected in with information and support about options for early childhood including: 

• Playgroups 
• Kindergarten 
• Maternal and child health 
• Community-based lactation services 
• Immunisation 
• Childcare 
• Family day care 
• Family violence support
• Family law support and advice. 

The free services offered in Sturt Street will hit the road and be available in Delacombe, Sebastopol, Lucas and Wendouree, with other locations also being explored. 

“It’s about reducing as many barriers as possible to families accessing Parent Place and the services it provides,” said City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Des Hudson.

“We already know of the invaluable work Parent Place does for the community, now it’s about trying to enable as many people as possible to access it. 

The following Parent Place Outreach sessions are planned to start in February, excluding public holidays: 

• 1st Friday of each month – Delacombe Salvation Army | 104 Greenhalghs Road, Delacombe 
• 2nd Monday of each month – Sebastopol Library | 181 Albert St, Sebastopol 
• 3rd Tuesday of each month – Lucas Community Hub |17 Coltman Plaza, Lucas 
• 4th Thursday of each month – Stockland, Wendouree | Norman Street & Gillies St North, Wendouree VIC 

The trial project aligns with Goal 2 of the City of Ballarat Council Plan: 2021-2025: a healthy, connected and inclusive community and was made possible by funding through VicHealth, with the City of Ballarat to also work closely with Maternal and Community Child Health, Ballarat and Grampians Community Legal Service and other partner organisations throughout the trial. 

To learn more, visit the Parent Place website.